The DNP-NA admission cycle opens annually on February 1 and closes July 1.

Complete your online application at https://apply.franu.edu/apply/

• The CV presents a full history of your academic credentials, so the length of the document is variable. In contrast, a resume presents a concise picture of your skills and qualifications for a specific position, so length tends to be shorter and dictated by years of experience (generally 1-2 pages).
• A CV is preferred, but we will accept resumes. You can find additional resources and suggestions on writing a CV by searching the internet, LinkedIn, or other professional writing websites.

• This statement will be utilized by the Admissions Committee as a factor in determining your eligibility for admissions. We recommend a personal/goal statement of 1-2 pages in 12pt font on why you want to become a CRNA. Additional topics in your essay can include:
  • your reasons for desiring to enter the field of nurse anesthesia.
  • your professional experiences and activities since completion of your BSN.
  • your professional accomplishments and awards.
  • your plans and aspirations for the future.
  • your participation in activities that promote FranU and DNP-NA values and mission.
    • FranU Mission and Values
    • DNP-NA Mission Statement:
      • The mission of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University's Nurse Anesthesia Program is to provide diverse learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver safe, equitable and evidence-based, patient-centered care at the highest level of advanced nursing practice. The program develops leaders and scholars who transform systems of care by improving the quality of care and patient outcomes in a variety of healthcare settings. The Program achieves this mission through the creation of an environment that promotes professional socialization, embraces diverse cultures and learning styles, recognizes achievement and promotes excellence while exemplifying the mission and traditions of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady.

• Applicants for DNP-NA must have a minimum of 1-year full-time recent experience as a registered nurse in an adult critical care unit (2 years recommended)
  • Recent experience is defined as within the previous two calendar years
  • Critical care experience must be obtained in a critical care area within the United States, its territories or a U.S. military hospital outside of the United States. During this experience, the registered professional nurse should have developed critical decision making and psychomotor skills, competency in patient assessment, and the ability to use and interpret advanced monitoring techniques. A critical care area is defined as one where, on a routine basis, the registered professional nurse manages one or more of the following: invasive hemodynamic monitors (such as pulmonary artery catheter, CVP, arterial); cardiac assist devices; mechanical ventilation; and vasoactive infusions. Examples of critical care units may include but are not limited to: Surgical Intensive Care, Cardiothoracic Intensive care, Coronary Intensive Care, and Medical Intensive Care. Those who have experiences in other areas may be considered provided they can demonstrate competence with managing unstable patients, invasive monitoring, ventilators, and critical care pharmacology. (Taken from Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs Definition)
  • Critical care experience in other areas (i.e., PICU and/or NICU) may be considered provided the applicant demonstrates competence with managing unstable patients, invasive monitoring, ventilator management, and critical care pharmacology.

Travel nurses can use a nurse manager/charge nurse of the current unit or nurse manager/charge nurse from previous units (non-travel) within 2 years for a letter of recommendation from a direct supervisor. The nurse manager/charge nurse must work with you often, have the capability to review your performance and be someone who can speak about any employment issues.

• The GRE is currently optional; scores may be considered should the applicant include them with their application.
• GRE scores can be an excellent supplemental document to include with a graduate school application.

• All transcripts must be official and sent directly from all universities/colleges you’ve attended. We highly recommend requesting official electronic transcripts if the university or college utilizes the service. Official electronic transcripts can be sent to admissions@franu.edu.
• If your university or college only mails official transcripts, those transcripts can be mailed to FranU using the address below. Please note, it can take on average 7-10 days for our Office of Admissions to receive transcripts.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU)

Office of Admissions

5414 Brittany Drive

Baton Rouge, LA 70808

No, we do not accept transfer credit towards the DNP-Nurse Anesthesia program.

No. There are no prerequisite courses that must be taken prior to admission into the program.

You should submit your application once you have completed all required fields, listed all universities and colleges you’ve attended, and added in your 3 required recommenders. Once you submit your application you will be able to see the remaining part of your application checklist and be able to upload additional items such as your goal statement, CV, certifications, etc. Also, after you submit your application, you will be able to pay your required application fee and track the status of your application.

Applicants must have current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular (ACLS) Certifications at the time of application. Upon acceptance and enrollment into the program, students must have current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.

No. Applicants must have obtained their Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the time of application in order to meet the admission requirements.

• To check the status of your application you can log back into your applicant portal to review your checklist at https://apply.franu.edu/apply/.
• If you have any issues or questions about your application you can contact our Graduate Recruitment Coordinator, Tilly Parkin via email at Ottelia.Parkin@franu.edu or by phone at 225-526-1715.